Black Samurai: TV Series in Development with Common

Common is headed back to the small screen. Variety reports the actor and hip hop artist will star in a TV adaptation of the 1977 film Black Samurai.

Common has appeared in several TV series, including UPN’s Girlfriends, AMC’s Hell on Wheels, and Hulu’s The Mindy Project.

Based on the book by Marc Olden, Black Samurai centers on “Robert Sand (played by Common) who is rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, Robert Sand becomes a killing machine, out to destroy the corrupt powers who had taken the lives of his friends.”

Robert Sand is like black Jason Bourne. Black Samurai is one of the most unique, timely and fun experiences I’ve ever read, while at the same time tackling some serious subjects around race and diversity. With ‘John Wick 2’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ coming up, Common was an obvious choice for the role, and I’m thrilled to have him on board. I believe he’s the next great American actor.”

What do you think? Are you a fan of Common? Have you seen the film Black Samurai? Will you watch the TV series?